The Surrey Cricketers is his first pub but he plans to establish a portfolio of pubs in Britain. Gurmohan is undertaking a joint £272,000 refurbishment of the pub starting this week.

Gurmohan oversaw the £25m turnover at Jamie Oliver Restaurants for six years, a business that included cafes, bars and restaurants. Prior to that he was executive chef for the Lord Mayor of London where he was responsible for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and presidential dinners.

Gurmohan said: “I’ve got a great team lined up for The Surrey Cricketers who are looking forward to opening the doors and meeting the local community to hear first-hand what they’d like from their pub.

“I want to offer the sort of independently run, unique friendly pub with great food and drink that the area deserves, to support local suppliers and to help create local jobs.

“Longer term, I’m focused on developing a pub estate with the right offer for the locality.  I am interested in pubs rather than casual dining as I believe this is where future growth lies, and they provide more income streams.

“Pubs are more relaxing environments for families and there is more space. On the high street on the other hand competition is fierce with lots of discounting that ultimately impacts the final product sold to diners.”

The Surrey Cricketers will serve traditional pub dishes using fresh, locally sourced and ‘high-quality’ British products as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

The refurbishment will upgrade the nineteenth century pub and create a 120-seater restaurant, increasing the capacity by over 50%. 

Dugald Macer, Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director, said: “The Surrey Cricketers is in a fantastic location with lots of space inside and out. It just needed the décor, food and drinks being brought up to date. It will now have these and an enthusiastic team with innovative ideas to take it forward.

“Kanwar has an extensive knowledge of food from casual dining, to cafés and grab and go. He has a passion for food and an appreciation of high standards which will result in a great local. We look forward to working with him and wish him well with The Surrey Cricketers and his plans to grow a pub estate.”